Understanding the links between PTSD, alcohol use, and relationship conflicts in veterans
Official title: PTSD, AUD, and Interpersonal Conflict: Within-person associations
Funded at University of South Dakota · NIH-10827940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how PTSD and alcohol use can lead to conflicts in relationships for veterans, and it will help them learn new ways to manage their feelings and behaviors over two years while tracking their daily experiences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Dakota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Vermillion, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $546,450 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH122954-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10827940 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD and alcohol use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or alcohol use disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how PTSD symptoms and alcohol use disorder affect interpersonal conflicts among veterans. It involves a sample of 250 veterans who will participate in cognitive bias modification training to help manage their symptoms. The study will collect real-time data over two years to analyze daily changes in emotional regulation, sleep disturbances, and their impact on both PTSD and alcohol use. By examining these factors, the research aims to uncover the connections between these issues at a personal level.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for veterans struggling with PTSD and alcohol use disorder, enhancing their quality of life and relationships.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using cognitive bias modification to address similar psychological issues, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simons, Jeffrey S — University of South Dakota
- Study coordinator: Simons, Jeffrey S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how PTSD affects self-control and brain function
Researchers are studying how PTSD changes the brain’s control over thoughts and actions, and how this might affect Veterans’ daily lives and responses to treatment.
-
Ketamine to boost fear extinction and memory on PTSD patients
A study testing whether ketamine can help people with PTSD better relearn and forget fear when given in a guided treatment plan.
-
Treating PTSD and opioid use disorder in residential care with Written Exposure Therapy (WEST)
A short, patient-friendly plan to adapt a proven PTSD therapy for people with opioid use disorder in residential treatment and test its practicality and impact.
-
Dynamic PTSD-Related Cognitive Risk in Aging WTC Responders
This project follows World Trade Center responders as they age to understand how PTSD symptoms relate to changes in thinking skills over time.
-
Identifying brain proteins linked to PTSD and alcohol use disorder
Researchers are studying brain proteins that may contribute to PTSD and alcohol use disorder in US veterans to find new ways to help people who struggle with both conditions.
-
Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy for Veterans with Social Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms
A clinical trial tests whether a flexible brain-behavior therapy helps veterans with social anxiety and PTSD symptoms feel better and engage more in daily life.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.